When Tom's leave was up, George Lister said he had business in London, so Alice accompanied him. Truth to tell, the business which George had was only a secondary matter; he saw that Alice wanted to accompany her lover as far as she could, and the business was a pretext. I also made my way to Waterloo Station to see Tom off; that was only a few days ago, and what I saw and heard is fresh in my memory. But however long I may live, I shall never forget the look in Tom's eyes as he stood on the platform with Alice by his side. A great light was burning there, the light of love, and duty, and faith, and chastened joy. "Don't fear, Alice," said the lad, "I will come back again all right." "You--you are sure you will take care of yourself, Tom," and Alice's voice was husky, although she was evidently making a great effort to be brave. "Ay, that I will," said Tom. Crowds of soldiers thronged the platform, while hundreds of their friends who came to see them off made it difficult to move; many of the Tommies were shouting and cheering, while others found their way into the carriages as if anxious to be quiet. "They seem splendid fellows," said Alice, "but some of them are very rough, aren't they?" "Just a bit rough," replied Tom, "but they are all right. Some of those very chaps who look rough and common are just heroes, you know; they would face any kind of danger to do a pal a good turn. Perhaps you may not think it to look at them, but their hearts are true as gold. This war has made a wonderful difference in them." Alice pressed his arm convulsively. "You know that book you lent me the other day," went on Tom, "that book of Kipling's where there is a story about a ship that found herself. It means a lot, does that story. That's what this war has done for a lot of us chaps, it's helped us to find ourselves." The guard blew his whistle, and there was a slamming of doors. "Good-bye, Alice," and Tom held her close to his heart. "The war will be over soon, and then, please God, I will come back again." "Yes, yes, Tom, and--and you know I will be always thinking of you, and praying for you." "Ay, lass, I do, that's why I'm not a bit afraid. It's not good-bye, Alice, it's only au revoir as the French say. You will be brave, won't you?" "Yes, Tom," she spoke bravely, although her voice was husky; "and--and, Tom"--this with a sob--"I shall be loving you--loving you all the time." Slowly the train left the station. At the carriage windows hundreds of men stood waving their hands, and shouting. They were going back to the grim, cold trenches, going to danger, and possible death; but they were going with brave hearts and the light of resolution in their eyes. Amongst them was Tom. He, too, was waving his hand, although his lips were tremulous. "God help me to do my bit, and then take me back to her," he prayed.